Ep 11. Riverside Party

In episode 11 of season 7 of Paula's Home Cooking, Paula Deen takes viewers on a tour of her hometown of Savannah, Georgia, to prepare for a Riverside Party. Throughout the episode, Paula shares her love for her community and its traditions, as well as her favorite dishes for outdoor gatherings.

The episode kicks off with Paula driving around Savannah, pointing out local landmarks and sharing stories about her childhood. She stops at a fish market to pick up some fresh seafood for the party, including shrimp and a whole red snapper. Paula stresses the importance of buying local and supporting small businesses.

Back in her kitchen, Paula gets to work on the menu for the Riverside Party. She starts by making a classic Southern appetizer: fried green tomatoes. She slices the tomatoes, dips them in an egg mixture, coats them in cornmeal, and fries them up in hot oil. The result is crispy and flavorful, perfect for snacking on throughout the afternoon.

Next up is the star of the show: the red snapper. Paula shows viewers how to clean and prep the fish before cooking it whole on the grill. She stuffs the fish with herbs and lemon slices, then cooks it over charcoal until it's aromatic and tender. Paula warns that grilling a whole fish can be intimidating, but her step-by-step instructions make it easy to follow along.

While the fish cooks, Paula prepares a few sides. She makes a fresh herb salad with arugula, mint, basil, and dill, dressed with a simple vinaigrette. She also whips up a batch of hushpuppies, a classic Southern side dish made with cornmeal and spices. Paula serves the hushpuppies with some homemade remoulade sauce, which she also uses as a marinade for the shrimp.

Finally, it's time to head to the Savannah River for the Riverside Party. Paula and her guests set up a picnic blanket, complete with a colorful umbrella and plenty of food and beverages. They enjoy the beautiful view of the river while snacking on fried green tomatoes and sipping on sweet tea.

When the red snapper is ready, Paula brings it out to the picnic blanket and shows off her grilling skills. She and her guests dig in, savoring the fresh, delicate flavors of the fish. The herb salad and hushpuppies round out the meal perfectly.

As the sun sets over the river, Paula and her friends enjoy each other's company and reflect on the joys of Southern life. Paula expresses gratitude for her hometown and the community that has supported her throughout her career. The episode ends with a sweet reminder to cherish the simple things in life and savor every moment with loved ones.

Overall, Riverside Party is a fun and heartwarming episode of Paula's Home Cooking that celebrates Southern culture and traditions. Viewers will enjoy learning new cooking techniques and getting a glimpse into Paula's hometown. The menu is perfect for a summer gathering, whether by the river or in your own backyard.